Singer 153W wick or not

[JeffHami]

I am restoring my Singer 153W / 100 and I have found a couple of holes what appears to be hardened wicks. Can anybody tell me what holes should have wicks and where to buy them?

[CowboyBob]

They had them in the oil holes for both the upper shaft bushings,you can normally reuse them,just put oil on them or replace with a small piece of felt cut to fit.

[JeffHami]

Thank you for the help.  Several of the oil holes will filled with dust, dirt and debris. I cleaned them out and when I removed the old felt it was really hard and I could not see how it worked as a wick. The large hole with the cup near the head was packed with a cotton string that I am going to reuse. It looks like it was just wadded up and the cup screwed down on top.   Trying to make sure the machine is cleaned and ready to run before I use it for the first time. 

 

[CowboyBob]

 Yes,it is a good idea to make sure it has oil before you start using it.

[JeffHami]

I've been trying to make sure all holes oils are oiled and the machine moves freely before I ever run it under power. I took a thick felt wheel and used a hole punch to make a round wick that after rolling between my fingers fit the hole perfect.  

[Uwe]

Sometimes the "wick" is not a wick at all, but a protective "filter" pad that keeps dirt and grit out, but lets oil through. Once you remove the pad, any little piece of dirt or grit gets directly to the gears or bearing.

[JeffHami]

Uwe,

 that is what I thought. With a holes facing straight up it is easy for stuff to fall in and other holes are in areas where depree from fabric or leather can fall in.